Hells Angel faces 20 years

Photo: gangstersout

A high-ranking member of the Kelowna Hells Angels chapter could spend up to 20 years behind bars.

David Giles, vice-president of the Kelowna chapter, was back in court Tuesday for a sentencing hearing stemming from his September conviction on numerous drug charges.

In a story published in The Province, Crown counsel Chris Greenwood argued Giles should spend between 18 and 20 years in jail for his role in a cocaine conspiracy.

Greenwood told the court Giles and Kevin Van Kalkeren were targeted as part of a police sting operation that spanned across Canada and three countries.

During separate meetings with undercover police in 2012, counsel said the conspirators provided $4 million in cash for delivery of 200 kilograms of cocaine.

The pair was eventually arrested at a warehouse where the drug handoff was scheduled to take place.

In his submission to the court, Greenwood said Giles was motivated by profit.

"The reality is that Mr. Giles wanted high quality cocaine at a competitive price so that he could move it as quickly as possible," The Province reported.

"He played a leading role in both conspiracies for which he's been convicted. He and Mr. Van Kalkeren essentially were equal partners."

Van Kalkeren was earlier sentenced to 16 years in jail.

While agreeing his client wanted to traffic in drugs, defence lawyer Paul Gill argued Van Kalkeren played a "broader" role.

Gill said his client may have wanted to traffic cocaine but lacked the trafficking network claimed by the Crown.

Defence submissions continue today.